Bernard Schlager - The Bible is Not a Weapon (And a ChatGPT Parable for Queer Kids)

Deep Dive with Shawn C. Fettig

Have you ever felt the weight of fear when your spirituality seems to contradict your identity? This episode addresses the intricate relationship between faith and queerness, as we delve into the profound emotions and experiences that come with growing up queer in the church. Dr. Bernard Schlager, associate professor of Historical and Cultural Studies and Executive Director of the Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies in Religion at Pacific School of Religion, joins me to share his valuable insights on this topic.
We dissect not only the conflicts and tensions within religious spaces but also explore the potentialities of queer spirituality, how religious texts can be interpreted, and the importance of creating safe faith exploratory spaces for queer individuals. This genuine exploration of the queer experience within the context of spirituality and religion aims to instigate conversations, questions, and a broader understanding of the intersection between queerness and faith.
What does it mean to find comfort and community in faith as a queer individual? We examine the need for open and inclusive religious spaces, the complexities of interpreting religious texts concerning queer identities, and how easily differing beliefs can be demonized. Also, we reflect on the invaluable role of pastoral care for the queer community, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and celebrating queer people as valuable members of religious communities. Tune in for an enlightening dialogue that bridges the seemingly disparate worlds of queerness and faith.
And, ChatGPT does something the Bible does not - writes a parable in which Jesus explains to a young child why his queerness ensures him a place in Heaven.
Recommended:
Ministry Among God’s Queer Folk: LGBTQ Pastoral Care - Bernard Schlager and David Kundtz
Mentioned:
Christianity, Social Tolerance, and Homosexuality - John Boswell
Not a Tame Lion
Love Tenderly: Sacred Stories of Lesbian and Queer Religious - Grace Surdovel and Jeannine Gramick
Punch Me Up to the Gods - Brian Broome
Queer as Fact Podcast

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Chapters

1. The Intersection of Queerness and Spirituality (00:00:00)

2. Queer Community & Christianity Intersection (00:05:28)

3. Religion and LGBTQ+ Community Interaction (00:11:46)

4. Queer Identity in Religious Texts (00:25:47)

5. Sexuality and Religion (00:29:23)

6. The Evolution of Christianity (00:42:55)

7. The Intensification of Militarized Christianity (00:46:35)

8. Pastoral Care in the Queer Community (00:59:56)

9. Finding Comfort and Community in Faith (01:13:07)